THE following is a message from Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud, President of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha on the occasion of the festival of Phagwah which is being celebrated by hindus throughout the world today: “Holi is the festival of Spring or Vasant Ritu.  Another name by which this colourful festival is described is Phagwah. Phagwah is observed in the lunar month of Phalgun which is the last month in the Hindu year. Holi emerged from the Sanskrit word Hola, simply meaning grains.
The Kissans or farmers after harvesting their crops offer grains to AGNI DEVATA in the spirit of a Navaneshti Yaag which is usually conducted at this time. The grains are taken to a central point and devotees surround the Agni kund and make offerings with simultaneous chanting of vedic mantras.
Holi unfolds nature in all its bounty. Celebrants capture the magenta therefrom and convert it in liquid form and joyfully squirt it on each other with love, affection and happiness. The colours which dominate the celebration is a reflection of nature’s beauty. The celebration must therefore match Vasant Ritu/Spring Season.
Prahalad, challenging his despotic father who demanded to be adored as God, added a new dimension to Phagwah. The youthful prince stands out as someone with implicit faith and courage which has greatly influenced those who share in the celebration.
Holi also heralds the Hindu New Year and is integrated in the basic philosophy of Hinduism. The social aspect brings people together and provide an opportunity for getting together and reunion.
This lovely and colourful festival is truly proletarian and is celebrated in the spirit of oneness, removing all barriers and creates condition for social cohesion and harmony.
Phagwah came with our forebears from India and developed into a national festivity. It was verily confined to the sugar plantation. With the passage of time Phagwah has now taken on national identity and is celebrated as one of our national holidays joyfully in the way and manner our forebears intended.
I wish to implore all celebrants to keep the festival pure, hygienic and spiritually inspired.
I wish you Shubh Holi and Phagwah ka Shubh Kamnayea.”